We are pleased to announce the initiation of funding for two projects selected under the third call for the Ocean Shot Research Grant, a program dedicated to advancing innovative research toward a better understanding of the ocean.

Following a rigorous review of 23 proposals submitted from around the world — including Japan (8), the United States (5), Europe (3), China (3), and other regions (4) — the following two projects have been selected as Ocean Shot-3 grantees. Funding officially commenced on April 1, 2026.

1. Project Title:   DeepMap: Mapping of Deep-Sea Ecosystems to Safeguard Atlantic Biodiversity
Representative Research Organization: Plymouth Marine Laboratory 

2. Project Title:   Discovery of nanoscale oceanic life-forms and their role in microbial ocean food webs
Representative Research Organization: University of Hawai'i 

We expect that these projects will drive new discoveries and technological advancements in ocean science, significantly deepening our understanding of the ocean and the marine environment.

We extend our sincere appreciation to all the applicants for the Ocean Shot research grant.